WAL-MART READIES CALIF. SUPERCENTER

LA QUINTA, Calif. -- In an ironic confluence of events, Wal-Mart Stores is scheduled to open its first California supercenter here Wednesday, just as the Southern California strike-lockout -- inspired in large part by Wal-Mart's pending entry -- appeared to be winding down last week.The 225,000-square-foot store will operate in this upscale desert community, located approximately 130 miles east of

LA QUINTA, Calif. -- In an ironic confluence of events, Wal-Mart Stores is scheduled to open its first California supercenter here Wednesday, just as the Southern California strike-lockout -- inspired in large part by Wal-Mart's pending entry -- appeared to be winding down last week.

The 225,000-square-foot store will operate in this upscale desert community, located approximately 130 miles east of Los Angeles, 60 miles east of San Bernardino and 20 miles east of Palm Springs.